COLUMBUS, Ind. – Two of Bartholomew County’s largest employers—Cummins Inc. and Toyota Material Handling have partnered once again to support local families through their annual Give Back Event, contributing a combined $20,000 to United Way of Bartholomew County programs.
Each company donated $10,000, with funds directed to four United Way of Bartholomew County-sponsored initiatives that promote childhood development, family self-sufficiency, and financial stability.
Brett Merritt, President, Engine Business at Cummins Inc., and Brett Wood, President and CEO of Toyota Material Handling North America gave the donations to the programs on Nov. 20.
The following programs received support:chool Corporation educators to request basic needs items—such as clothing, food and bedding—for students. Nearly 230 students received assistance last school year
These contributions build on Cummins and Toyota’s longstanding commitme
- My Free Taxes: Offers free tax preparation by certified volunteers – last tax season, nearly 1,300 returns were completed, returning over $1 million to the local economy through saved fees and refunds
- School Supply Assistance Program: Distributes fully stocked backpacks to local children through a coalition of community organizations – returning more than 2,100 backpacks were provided during the last school year
- Avenues to Opportunity: A comprehensive program helping individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency through job coaching, budgeting support, and access to childcare and healthcare – since mid-2023, approximately 300 families have reached self-sufficiency, contributing to United Way’s goal of lifting 1,000 families out of poverty within 2,000 days
- Student Support Line: Enables Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation educators to request basic needs items—such as clothing, food and bedding for students – nearly 230 students received assistance last school year.
These contributions build on Cummins and Toyota’s longstanding commitment to United Way of Bartholomew County and the broader social services ecosystem.
“Cummins and Toyota play a vital role in making our community stronger and serve as outstanding corporate partners to the social service sector,” said Mark Stewart, President of United Way of Bartholomew County. “Their generosity, advocacy and care for all our neighbors are critical to ensuring everyone in our community has what they need to reach their full potential.”